Loved

The love of Mother...

Dip and Dash

When I was a kid, we used to look for pools on hot, summer days that were not being used. Often it required hopping a fence. Although some may consider our deviant deeds breaking and entering, I choose to call it innocent trespassing.

The girl pictured has committed no such crime, but it does remind me of the good ol' days of playing "Dip and Dash."

Summer Feet

Pasadena -- A summer day, a bunch of kids and a pool is a recipe for fun.

Norman Rockwell Moment

Los Angeles, CA -- Norman Rockwell had a knack for drawing attention to human idiosyncrasies. Norman drew national appeal mainly because he illustrated in his paintings what many of us see in the typical American child and adult. He took a smirk, a gesture or an event and recreated it in a more endearing, animated style.

Mr. Rockwell paid particular attention to the Boy Scouts of America and was able to capture the true assents of scouting with his works in Boys' Life Magazine as well as illustrations in more than 40 books including Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.

This photo is not even close to Rockwell excellence, but the subject could very well inspire Norm to produce a winner for 2010. All that's needed is a frog, a willow stick fishin' pole and a slingshot hanging out of a pocket.

Dedicated to Baseball

Sierra Madre, CA -- Another rainy day for little league but some decided to brave the storm despite the cold.

Walking The Line

Sierra Madre, CA -- Sandbags line the streets of LA's foothill communities due to recent flash flooding and mud slides. Meanwhile, three boys take advantage of a break in the storm after their baseball game was rained out.

A Face in the Crowd

When I am not working, I am carrying my camera. I walked into a Target store the other day and decided to bring the D90. After 45 minutes of browsing the isles, I came away with no images. Recently, I happened upon a group of kids on a field trip. I parked the car, pulled out the camera and--without permission--took a few dozen portraits of kids. One teacher finally asked who I was. I handed her my DailyPhotoLA calling card and I told her that I am giving away photos today and told her how to contact me.

For the record, I don't always shoot first and then beg forgiveness--especially with kids. However, I will often give a little nod and hold up my camera, shoot, and say, "Thank you."

Kick out of Skywatch Friday

Men are from Mars...

Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, and some boys are from their own world.

I took this shot while visiting Devil's Punchbowl on the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains, about 90-minutes from Downtown Los Angeles. I asked the boy and his parents if I could take his photo. The kid was a little shy but the parents thought it was a great idea. Free press--what the heck!

Picking the Best Photo

"Hey Kids," I said with the camera pressed against my face. "Act natural and look at the lens."

I held down the shutter release and popped off a half-dozen frames within a second and a half.

I "picked" the best shot out of six.

Looking Up

Sierra Madre -- I noticed a kid spinning in a courtyard. Other kids encouraged him as he spun faster and faster until he became dizzy and fell to the ground. That's when I asked him to "smile for the lens."

Ice Cream "Sunday"

Sierra Madre -- Kids are welcomed back to Sunday School with a table full of condiments for their ice cream.

"The Cleaner"

Big Rock Creek Camp -- The girls caught the trout but the boys cleaned them. That night, everyone ate their catch with pride.

Splash!

Valyermo, CA -- Kids jump off a high dive at camp, landing in what's known as a "cannon ball." The object is to make the biggest splash. One youngster achieved his goal, which paid off in dividends.

A Glimpse of Summer

Eight flavors tantalize the youngster, while making a single choice can be quite a chore. Summer, once again, is just around the corner. How much we have to look forward to!